2016 Ford Mustang: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Ford Mustang? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 363 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2016 Ford Mustang Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2016 Ford Mustang trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2016 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Ford Mustang C RWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated8.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
8.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Ford Mustang has 363 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Mustang
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 363
- Crash-related complaints
- 13
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Ford Mustang Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Ford Mustang?
The 2016 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Ford Mustang
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues like cooling system or oil leaks.
- Check for electrical system problems, including battery, alternator, and wiring harness recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for back over prevention and transmission.
- Request service records for any reported component repairs or replacements.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues like cooling system or oil leaks.
- Check for electrical system problems, including battery, alternator, and wiring harness recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for back over prevention and transmission.
- Request service records for any reported component repairs or replacements.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Ford Mustang, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 363 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Ford Mustang, the data suggests that engine problems and electrical faults are the most frequently reported issues. There are also notable complaints related to back over prevention and transmission/drivetrain. However, with a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints at 80.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported issue with 70 complaints.
- Back over prevention complaints total 51, which is relatively high for a single model year.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Back Over Prevention
All 2016 Ford Mustang Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Mustang. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 80 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 70 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 67 | — | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 51 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Mustang. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rear-view camera was blank and then operated intermittently; however, the image was blurry. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on two occasions. During the first visit, the contact was…
They have a recall for the seatbelt so I got my car inspected and tested and my seatbelts are fine. I use this as a rental car and my business is stopped and I’m losing money every day that I cannot rent this out.
Manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle IN A TIMELY MANNER. The Recall was from September 16, 2025. It has now been OVER half a year with NO remedy. I live in a salty air state and the last thing I want to happen is to drive with a seat …
The steering wheel over time is very loose and in my case i need to be very careful with it because I feel I am losing control on my car while driving. You can feel the steering wheel moving up and down without little to know force also while driving. I don't even drive that fast…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the screen turned blue with a message that the back over prevention camera was unavailable. The failure was intermittent. The contact first received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22…
There have been 3 instances within the last year and a half where the rear window of my vehicle (Ford mustang) and the rear window of family member ford mustang both have shattered during the extreme cold possibly due to the heating coils on the window over heating and burning. Y…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V614000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated that the driver’s side front seat belt had detached from the frame. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contact…
At about 75k miles my mustang started misfiring at about 2,500 rpm’s and higher. Turns out it was a blown head gasket. This engine model is prone to what happened to it. Ford should have a recall for these engine and a solution as they’re ticking time bombs. I wish I could drive …
The driver And passengers door opens while driving
The head gasket in my 2016 mustang eco boost failed. I have 126k miles and coolant is leaking into cylinder 2. I’ve always taken care of the maintenance on a timely matter and no modifications have been done.
2016 Ford Mustang 2.3L Ecoboost Engine. Coolant intrusion into the cylinder. It's a known issue, an engine block design flaw. Ford was replacing the whole engine when those cars were under warranty. There is extensive content online about it and dozens of class actions.
My cars head gasket blew at only 45,000 miles. Replaced my a local well known mechanic for around $3500.00. Now my car at 96,000 miles has blown the head gasket again. I believe the car needs a whole new block. I have seen several lawsuits regarding this and just would love my ca…
On 12/06/2025 I filled the vehicle with gasoline. As I was driving home I noticd a strong odor of gasoline. When I arrived home I parked the car in my carport. A short time later I went outside and noticed that I could still smell gasoline and I looked under the car, which was…
From what I can remember its always been an issue with cylinder 3. I was always repaired by Ford Auto Nation of Fort Worth and Auto World Repair 2021 Engine Failure: Confirmed and repaired blown head gasket 2022 Check Engine Light code P303 - Found faulty as well as ignition co…
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available…
Display screen went out after first back up, camera recall. Camera is fixed under the recall by the dealership shortly after the display screen was intermittently going out until the screen became completely black.
Component/system: Engine (Coolant intrusion into cylinder 1); Inspection available: Yes; Safety risk: Sudden power loss on road; Reproducibility/Confirmation: Dealer verified coolant in cylinder 1 after engine inspection; Manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others …
Coolant intrusion into the cylinder head. This caused a sudden halt of he vehicle which could have caused an accident and loss of life. The engine coolant overheating temperature warning light came on. Vehicle was inspected by ford dealership and found to have blown head gasket. …
Took car to dealership per recall. Touch screen flickering on and off. Can't depend on back up camera. According to dealer "Recall 22a06a was previously completed on TSB 19-2273. and no other repairs were neede at this time. Note, Sync MyTouch screen is blinking on and off a…
• What failed & is it available for inspection? Air-conditioning system failure. Loss of cabin cooling; dealer recommends compressor replacement (may include related components pending contamination check). Vehicle is at a Ford dealer now; no repairs performed yet. I requested th…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Ford Mustang.
2016 Ford Mustang Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Mustang. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Ford Mustang Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Ford Mustang reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 363 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Mustang?▾
#1: Engine Problems (80 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (70 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (67 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Ford Mustang?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Ford Mustang?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Ford Mustang, NHTSA complaints include 13 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 363 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Ford Mustang have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Ford Mustang. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Ford Mustang?▾
The 2016 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Mustang reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Ford Mustang based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.